It takes at least half a month to get from here to Anyang, and Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi set off that very day. On the surface, they both seemed no different from usual, but in reality, they each had their own thoughts on their minds.
A few days later, the two rode their horses to a riverbank and stopped to rest. Jiang Chuting dismounted and went to the river to wash his face. Suddenly, everything went black and he almost fell into the water. Fortunately, Lin Zhi was also there and quickly caught him.
Are you alright?
This wasn't the first time Jiang Chuting had experienced this in the past few days. He had seen a doctor, but after examining his pulse for a long time, the doctor couldn't figure out what was wrong and just told him to rest more.
Lin Zhi felt uneasy and gently helped him up. Jiang Chuting's face was still covered with glistening water droplets. Lin Zhi carefully wiped them dry with a handkerchief and said worriedly, "Back in Misty Moon Valley, we should have had Valley Master Qin take a look at you."
Jiang Chuting took his hand and smiled, "I'm fine, don't worry too much."
That night, the two were unable to reach their next destination and paid to stay overnight at a family's house in the village.
Jiang Chuting sat cross-legged on the bed, closed his eyes and circulated his internal energy. The feeling of stagnation was more pronounced than when he first noticed it a few days ago.
This was a phenomenon he had never experienced since he began practicing martial arts, and he couldn't understand it for a while. He also wondered if his sudden increase in physical weakness was due to a problem with his internal energy.
He didn't plan to tell Lin Zhi about this for the time being, so as not to worry him. He would try to regulate his breathing first.
Jiang Chuting was lost in thought when Lin Zhi came in, carrying a basin of hot water, which she placed beside the bed, apparently for him.
Jiang Chuting said, "I've already washed."
"I know, this is for you to soak your feet. Soaking your feet in hot water will help you sleep better tonight." Lin Zhi helped him stretch out his legs, gently touching his feet to the hot water, and looked up to ask, "How is it? Is it too hot?"
Jiang Chuting looked back at him and said softly, "It's not very hot."
Lin Zhi then put his feet all the way in. After a while, his feet were all red from being soaked. Lin Zhi dried them with a towel, massaged his acupoints for a while, then helped him lie down on the bed, covered him with a blanket, leaned down and kissed him deeply, his dark eyes shining with a glimmer, "Sleep well, don't get sick, don't make me worry."
Lin Zhi is still quite young and somewhat childish, and she likes to act spoiled. After the two got together, Jiang Chuting was relatively more tolerant and doting. However, when he was unwell, Lin Zhi would become exceptionally attentive and take excellent care of him.
Jiang Chuting used to do everything himself and didn't like being waited on, but he was happy to accept Lin Zhi's treatment of him.
"Come up and sleep after you've finished washing up." Jiang Chuting was already feeling sleepy, and after hearing his reply, she slowly closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep on the pillow.
He had disappointed Lin Zhi, and that night he not only didn't sleep well, but also had a series of nightmares, dreaming of Zi Que, Lin Xuan, and Lin Xi, their faces flashing in turns with expressions of disappointment, hatred, or contempt. When Jiang Chuting woke up covered in sweat, Lin Zhi was still asleep beside him. He stared at him intently for a while before closing his eyes.
The closer he got to Anyang, the more uneasy he became, always feeling that something bad was going to happen.
The next day at noon, the two rested halfway through their journey as usual, ate something, and the two horses leisurely grazed nearby.
The water bag was empty, so Lin Zhi told Jiang Chuting to sit where she was while he went to get some water. Before leaving, he reminded her, "Chu Ran, be good. I'll be back soon. Don't wander off."
Jiang Chuting couldn't help but laugh. Lin Zhi was now really treating him like a fragile child, even unconsciously using a coaxing tone when speaking to him.
Jiang Chuting replied, "Okay, you go ahead, I'll wait for you here."
Not long after Lin Zhi left, Jiang Chuting suddenly felt something was wrong with her body. She was stunned for a moment before looking down at her hands, which were much whiter.
Jiang Chuting's heart skipped a beat.
To prevent a repeat of the last incident, he had taken a disguise pill three days ago, but now his appearance has suddenly returned to normal.
Jiang Chuting hurriedly got up, wanting to take the disguise pill from the bundle, but after looking around, he remembered that the bundle he left behind was for dry food, while the other bundle was the one Lin Zhi had always carried diagonally across his body, which he hadn't taken down when he went to fetch water.
Without the Disguise Pill, he couldn't become Chu Ran; and if he couldn't become Chu Ran, he absolutely couldn't stay here.
Lin Zhi might be back soon.
Jiang Chuting's mind raced. Leaving was inevitable, but to avoid worrying Lin Zhi too much, it would be better to leave some information. So she picked up a twig, channeled her inner energy, and drew several clear characters on the ground: "Temporarily leaving due to unforeseen circumstances."
Then, not daring to linger, he hid behind a large tree in the distance, quietly observing the movements there.
A while later, Jiang Chuting saw Lin Zhi rush back. Even though they were so far apart, Jiang Chuting could still sense Lin Zhi's shock, even though he had already seen the words on the ground.
"Chu Ran, Chu Ran! Where did you go! Chu Ran! Chu Ran!"
Lin Zhi's urgent cries contained confusion, grievance, and sadness. When Jiang Chuting heard them, she felt heartbroken, distressed, and sad. She wanted to step out several times, but she managed to stop herself.
It's all my fault for being so careless; I should have carried the pills with me at all times. But it's too late for regrets now.
If he suddenly disappeared on the way back to the Lin family home, what would Lin Zhi think? He would definitely think that he deliberately ran away. And Lin Zhi had no idea where his home was, so he must be extremely panicked at this moment.
He always seemed to avoid Lin Zhi because of his appearance, which saddened Lin Zhi and made him suffer too. There was nothing he could do; Lin Zhi disliked his original face.
"Chu Ran, Chu Ran! Come out! Don't leave me! Chu Ran!"
Hearing his voice, Jiang Chuting sensed that he was on the verge of tears and sighed inwardly.
Lin Zhi choked back tears and cried out, "If you don't want to go home with me, then don't go back. I won't force you. Please don't leave me! Please come out, please come out!"
Jiang Chuting sensed Lin Zhi getting closer and closer. Just like last time on the street, Lin Zhi could always pinpoint the direction where Jiang Chuting was hiding.
But this time he absolutely cannot find out, because unlike last time, Lin Zhi recognizes the clothes he is wearing now, and the hairpin is a gift from Lin Zhi. If Lin Zhi sees him like this, everything will be over.
Jiang Chuting focused intently on his direction, and while he was looking elsewhere, she quickly slipped away.
As if sensing something, Lin Zhi suddenly turned his head and just caught a glimpse of a fleeting figure. He shouted, "Chu Ran! Chu Ran!"
Lin Zhi picked up his breath and chased after him. Jiang Chuting was anxious and also used his lightness skill, but his internal energy was not flowing smoothly and he could not match his usual speed. After running through the mountains and forests for a while, he temporarily shook off Lin Zhi, but if he continued like this, he would definitely be caught up.
He quickly scanned the surroundings and spotted a small pond nearby. The pond was covered with flying insects, rotten leaves, and withered branches, emitting a putrid stench.
He acted decisively, taking off his love bean bracelet and hairpin, concealing them with dry leaves nearby, and then wading into the water with his hair down. Although the water wasn't deep, it sank slightly, submerging his shoulders. The water was murky, and the surface was covered with a jumble of floating debris, which conveniently blocked any view of his clothes.
He had just finished covering himself when Lin Zhi rushed over, tears still streaming down her face, pitifully calling out, "Chu Ran! Chu Ran! Chu..."
When she called out for the third time, the voice stopped abruptly, and Lin Zhi saw him in the pool.
Even Lin Zhi, who always showed disgust whenever she saw him, couldn't help but be shocked when she saw him calmly soaking in a dirty little pond.
However, the shock quickly turned into another meaning, as if saying, "Is this person sick?"
Surrounded by rotting, withered leaves, he remained calm and composed, as if he were soaking in a hot spring rather than a stinking puddles.
Jiang Chuting kept his eyes down, seemingly lost in thought. Lin Zhi remained silent, and so did he.
Lin Zhi was anxious to find the person. He didn't want to get involved, but he felt anxious because the person he was looking for had disappeared in an instant, and he really didn't know which direction to follow.
Lin Zhi gritted her teeth secretly. Although she was unwilling, in order to find out the truth, she turned her gaze to Jiang Chuting, who was standing silently with her eyes lowered, and asked in a tone as stiff as a stone, "Hey, did you see someone pass by just now?"
Jiang Chuting couldn't quite describe her feelings. After a moment of silence, without even raising her eyes, she replied, "It seems they went in the north direction." The north was the direction leading to Anyang.
Lin Zhi naturally wouldn't thank him. She was about to follow his directions and head north when she thought about it and realized she had been too trusting. She turned back to look at him and asked, "Are you playing me?"
Jiang Chuting finally opened her eyes, her gaze calm as she met his eyes: "I didn't. If you don't believe me, you can look in another direction."
Lin Zhi was caught off guard by his clear, dark eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. When she spoke again, she inexplicably stammered and said, "I... I originally planned to search in the north, but not because I trusted you."
After saying that, she turned and headed north. After walking a short distance, she couldn't help but turn back and glance at him again.
He calmed down a bit and suddenly realized something: why did this person always appear around him? Being liked was annoying enough, but this person was constantly haunting him; no one would believe it wasn't stalking.
Moreover, this person should know that he has someone he likes. Could it be that he is jealous and might do something to Chu Ran?
Lin Zhi couldn't stand it any longer and snapped at him angrily, "You, surnamed Jiang, I'm warning you, I'd rather die than like you. Don't follow me anymore, or you'll regret it!"
If he were to return to the Nine Heavens now to retrieve the Disguise Pill, the round trip would take too long, and Lin Zhi would probably go crazy searching for him. The quickest way was to get the Disguise Pill from Lin Zhi, and once he changed his clothes, he would definitely try to find a way to get close to him again.
Jiang Chuting felt it necessary to remind him to avoid him losing his temper again if they met again.
Jiang Chuting said calmly, "I'm going in your direction later too, I'm not following you on purpose. If we meet again, it's just a coincidence."
Lin Zhi couldn't possibly believe him. She glared at him angrily and said, "Stop making excuses! What coincidence? The world is so big. If you weren't deliberately following me, why do you keep appearing in front of me?"
Jiang Chuting stared straight at him, remaining silent.
"Silence? You're admitting it?" Lin Zhi roared, "Let me tell you, I'm not my father, I will never be bewitched by you. I already have someone I want to spend my life with, so you'd better get as far away from me as possible! Do you hear me?"
Jiang Chuting withdrew her gaze from him, her long eyelashes lowered, and she remained silent.
Lin Zhi snorted coldly, and this time he really left.
Jiang Chuting breathed a sigh of relief, emerging from the water soaking wet. She removed the rotten leaves from her body, wrung out the water from her clothes, and shook her hands dry before picking up the bracelet and hairpin.
The weather was cold, and coupled with his recent poor health, even he, who was usually not afraid of the cold, felt a little uncomfortable after staying in the icy pool for a while. A gust of wind blew by, and he hugged himself, took a deep breath, and felt a sense of helplessness.
Turning his gaze to the direction Lin Zhi had left in, estimating that he should be far away by now, he slowly walked in that direction.
His disheveled hair was half-dry and half-wet, his clothes, stained with mud, clung to his body, and his face was pale. He had only been in the city a short time when he attracted the attention of countless people.
In a moment of utter carelessness, he also left his money pouch in the bundle, and now he is penniless.
As Jiang Chuting passed by a clothing store, she couldn't help but stop and look. Inside, the proprietress was standing with her hands on her hips, angrily scolding two employees, as if they had sold the clothes too cheaply.
Jiang Chuting listened for a while and was about to leave when the proprietress turned her head and saw him. Her fierce gaze instantly melted into tender affection as she came out to greet him personally, looking him up and down and saying, "Oh, young master, are you looking to buy clothes? Come in and take a look. With your looks and figure, our clothes would be perfect for you!"
Jiang Chuting replied truthfully, "Thank you, but... I didn't bring any money with me."
"I have no money..." The proprietress had a sharp eye. Although he looked a little disheveled, he was handsome, with a tall and straight posture, gentle and clear eyes, and polite manners. She was definitely not the kind of person with bad intentions who would cheat people. She guessed he was probably facing some difficulties. After a moment's thought, she waved her handkerchief and smiled, "It's alright if you don't have any money. Please come in and choose what you need. Our shop has been open for decades and we won't be moving anytime soon. You can come back and get the lamp whenever you have time."
The landlady was so warm and kind that she solved Jiang Chuting's problem. He went into the shop and picked out a light blue outfit. The landlady was very thoughtful and not only prepared new headbands, shoes and socks for him, but also prepared hot water for him to take a simple bath in the inner courtyard to wash off the dirt.
After changing her clothes, shoes, and socks and tying her hairband, Jiang Chuting finally looked clean and refreshed again. She bowed to the landlady and thanked her, saying, "I will definitely come back to make up the money once I get the silver."
"It's alright, it's alright, no rush." The proprietress stared at him without blinking, smiling as she saw him out. "Take care, young master."
After Jiang Chuting left, the two shop assistants huddled together and muttered, "We get yelled at for selling things a little cheaper, but she's all smiles, giving someone such an expensive outfit for free, just because they're pretty, tsk..."
"Exactly, she should take a look at herself. How old is she? She's still staring at people like that. It's shameful."
The proprietress turned around and immediately changed her expression, pointing at them and roaring, "Do you think I'm deaf? If you were that good-looking, I'd give you clothes for free. Now get back to work!"
After changing his clothes, Jiang Chuting began looking for Lin Zhi. Lin Zhi was definitely looking for him too, but the city was too big, and it would be difficult to run into him.
However, perhaps it really is fate. Jiang Chuting searched the streets for less than fifteen minutes before seeing Lin Zhi lingering by the roadside, asking passersby for information.
Jiang Chuting didn't let him see her. After thinking for a moment, she found a fortune teller and borrowed pen, ink and paper. She wrote a letter, found a little boy playing alone with pebbles at the entrance of an alley, pointed Lin Zhi out to him through the crowd, and asked him to deliver it to him.
The little boy readily agreed, took the letter, and ran off happily. He then pretended to choose something at the stall closest to the alley, occasionally glancing back to check Lin Zhi's reaction.
In his letter, he told Lin Zhi that the closer he got to Anyang, the more nervous he became, and that he needed time to calm down. He asked Lin Zhi to find the nearest inn to stay in first, and that he would come to see him in a couple of days after he had thought things through. He asked for his understanding.
Lin Zhi read the letter, his cheeks puffed out and his eyes instantly reddened. He looked around anxiously, seemingly wanting to see the person he wanted to see in the crowd, but in the end he was disappointed and let out a long sigh of dejection.
Jiang Chuting was heartbroken and wanted to go over and hug him.
Lin Zhi didn't immediately look for a place to stay. Instead, he wandered around for a while and found the little boy who had delivered the letter. He asked him a question, and the little boy nodded and skipped over to him.
When Lin Zhi passed by from behind, Jiang Chuting tensed up. It wasn't a problem that Lin Zhi saw him, but he was afraid that the little boy would recognize him as the person who had sent the letter and talk to him.
Fortunately, the child did not notice him and led Lin Zhi directly to the alleyway next door.
Lin Zhi patted the child's head, gave him some money and told him to buy some food himself, then let him go.
Jiang Chuting thought Lin Zhi had come here to find him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lin Zhi untie his bundle, take out his money bag, stuff a few more silver notes into it, and then go into the alley.
Jiang Chuting couldn't see anyone else, but her hearing was good, and she heard him calling out, "Chu Ran, you're nearby, right? I left something for you, you must come and get it, and you must take good care of yourself. I'll wait for you, I'll wait for you no matter how long it takes! But please don't abandon me, okay?"
When she came out, her eyes were red and swollen, and she left, looking back every few steps.
Lin Zhi was in a bad mood, and when he passed by Jiang Chuting again, he was so dejected that he didn't even notice her.
After he had walked a little further away, Jiang Chuting returned to the alley. There was a money bag covered by small stones by the wall. He bent down and picked it up. It seemed that this was what Lin Zhi had left for him.
He already had enough money, but Lin Zhi added several hundred taels to his account. That would be enough to buy a house, let alone eat and drink.
Lin Zhi knew he didn't have any money with him and was worried he would suffer, so she put in more money than usual.
Jiang Chuting couldn't help but sigh. This fool, it would have been better if he had left the bundle behind, so the two of them wouldn't have had to separate.
But now all I can do is try to get close to him, and then... secretly get the medicine.
After taking the money, Jiang Chuting's first action was to return to the clothing store. The proprietress was surprised to see him return so quickly. "Young master, what's wrong with you...?" The shop assistant also peeked at him from behind the counter, looking rather embarrassed.
Jiang Chuting's eyes curved into a smile, gentle and bright. "Of course I can't let your kindness go to waste." She raised her money bag to indicate, "I've taken the money. Could you please settle the bill for me?"
The proprietress was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then smiled sweetly: "I knew it. You seem like a very upright and honest young man. My judgment of people is superb, and I can't be wrong."
Jiang Chuting smiled and said, "By the way, I need to buy another set of clothes." He wanted to keep them as spares.
The proprietress smiled broadly and said, "Of course, of course."
Jiang Chuting chose the clothes without haggling, wrapped them in a package, paid, thanked them sincerely again, and left the store.
The proprietress watched him go with a kind smile until he was out of sight. Then, she stopped smiling, lifted her eyelids, extended her right hand, opened her palm, and gestured in a certain direction.
"You have to accept the consequences of your bet, hurry up."
After Jiang Chuting left, the waiter said he was definitely a swindler and wouldn't come back to pay. So the boss made a bet with them: if Jiang Chuting didn't come back to pay, she would raise their wages; if he did come back to pay, she would deduct a day's wages.
The two men were shocked to be proven wrong so quickly and were on the verge of tears, but they had no choice but to hand over the money to her.
The proprietress counted the money with a cheerful smile, saying meaningfully, "This has taught you a lesson. Whether you're doing business or anything else, you have to be good at judging people. Otherwise, the losses won't just be a small amount of money lost in a bet. Sigh, that's why you're the employees and I'm the boss." The two employees, used to arguing with her, didn't like hearing her lectures. They were just indignant, secretly resolving never to bet with her again.
Jiang Chuting found the fortune teller from earlier, paid him for the writing materials, and then went to the inn closest to where she had met Lin Zhishi.
The letter instructed him to find someone nearby, and he did just that. When Jiang Chuting entered, he immediately spotted a handsome young man in purple robes standing alone in the far corner of the hall, holding a wine jug and lost in thought, his bundle slung across his body.
If they directly tried to snatch it, they could probably win, but... never mind, Lin Zhi already disliked him enough.
Let's wait until he's not looking before we make our move.
Jiang Chuting asked the waiter for a room. Lin Zhi kept his promise and waited for him there. He wouldn't change locations unless he appeared as Chu Ran.
So when Jiang Chuting felt the gaze fixed on him from behind, he was only slightly distracted and not worried that Lin Zhi would leave because he saw him.
The waiter said, "Sir, you need to pay the room fee first."
“Okay.” Jiang Chuting took out the money to pay and was about to follow the waiter upstairs when Lin Zhi, who had been sitting there without any reaction, suddenly stood up, rushed over like the wind, grabbed his wrist, snatched the sapphire blue money bag from his hand, and asked fiercely, “I’m asking you, where did you get this money bag?!”
Jiang Chuting first widened her eyes slightly, then fell silent.
This money bag actually belonged to him, and he was used to using it. In addition, he was a little distracted when paying just now, so he didn't pay attention to hiding it. Who would have thought that Lin Zhi would see it.
Sensing the strange looks from those around her and Lin Zhi's angry gaze, Jiang Chuting sighed briefly, her expression solemn as she whispered, "I picked this up by the roadside..."
Lin Zhi wouldn't listen. The thought that the money hadn't even reached Chu Ran's hands fueled his anger, and he interrupted him sharply, saying, "So you were following me again, weren't you? You even stole his things and followed me to the inn? How can you be so shameless! Should I let the whole martial arts world know that you shamelessly seduced my father more than ten years ago, and now you're harassing me again! Don't you think your reputation isn't bad enough?!"
His voice was loud, and those around him who had initially only glanced at him started buzzing with discussion after hearing such outrageous words. Even the waiter next to him was dumbfounded, unsure of what to do.
Jiang Chuting's chest heaved twice, a lump in her throat. Her dark eyes fixed on Lin Zhi, she spoke with difficulty, "I didn't steal the purse, nor did I follow you. Lin Zhi, don't think too badly of me because of your biased feelings. You've misunderstood and harbored far too much malice towards me... I'm human, I feel sad too."
Lin Zhi's face remained expressionless, yet his heart was inexplicably churning. He wanted to say, "What do I care if you're sad?" but his lips seemed glued shut, and he couldn't open them. He felt annoyed and irritated that he had actually felt a little sorry for him.
Jiang Chuting paused before continuing, "I lost my purse. I used the money in this purse to pay for three days' room. Consider it a loan. I'll definitely pay you back when I have the chance." With that, he looked away and went upstairs, seemingly unwilling to linger. The waiter hesitated, turning back to look. He saw Jiang Chuting's movements as he ascended the stairs with a light and swift grace, like an immortal riding the wind and moon. His pale blue robes fluttered like clear blue waves, and his long hair ribbons billowed. His figure vanished without a trace in an instant. The waiter couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. The inn was frequented by martial arts practitioners, and he had some experience with such things. He knew the man wasn't a deity, but rather someone skilled in light-body techniques. However, he had never seen anyone perform light-body techniques so gracefully, even his gait was different from others.
How could someone as aloof and otherworldly as this steal a purse? How could he be entangled with two men? And why would he be stalking someone? It seems like someone else is the one bothering him, right? In a short time, the waiter's thoughts were complicated and shifting. He glanced at Lin Zhi suspiciously, shook his head, and went upstairs.
Lin Zhi stood still, staring intently at the money pouch in his hand, slowly tightening his fingers.
His mind began to replay everything that had happened that day uncontrollably.
He thought of Chu Ran, who had said he would wait for him to return; he thought of Chu Ran, who had suddenly disappeared; he thought of the letter Chu Ran had sent. Then he thought of Jiang Chuting, who had suddenly appeared in the mountains; he thought of the money pouch in Jiang Chuting's hand, which should have been Chu Ran's; he thought of Jiang Chuting following him to the inn; he thought of the quiet look in Jiang Chuting's eyes that had just met his gaze…
Thinking any further makes my head feel like it's being churned, dizzy, throbbing, and throbbing!
A surge of rage and fury welled up inside him, with nowhere to go. He grabbed his head with both hands and roared in a fit of rage. After he finished, he was panting heavily, and the veins on his forehead were throbbing.
I don't want to think about it anymore. I don't want to think about anything anymore.
All he wanted was Chu Ran, and nothing else mattered as long as Chu Ran came back to his side.
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